11 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Sun: Arrival in Venice
Land at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport where your tour escort will meet you for a group transfer by water taxi to your hotel. This is a wonderful introduction to a city built on
water! After checking in to your hotel you are free for the remainder of the day. In the evening get together with your tour director and fellow travelers to discuss your vacation
and then enjoy a welcome dinner.
(D)
Day 2 - Mon: Doges’ Palace & Saint Mark’s Square
This morning start your walking tour of Venice at Saint Mark’s Square. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, consecrated in 1094 and decorated to reflect the Venetian Republic’s maritime
and commercial power. Tour the elaborate Doges’ Palace to see impressive state rooms with Renaissance paintings by Titian, Veronese and Tintoretto and view the Bridge
of Sighs. Watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glass blowing at a factory. The balance of the day is free to explore Venice on your own. You may like to take an
independent gondola or a vaporetto ride through enchanting canals.
(BB)
Day 3 - Tue: Leaning Tower of Pisa
Travel by coach through the Emilia Romagna region and through the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside to Pisa. Stop in the Piazza dei Miracoli to see the iconic Bell or Leaning
Tower, the Baptistery, the Cathedral and the Monumental Churchyard. The magnificent Romanesque cathedral, started in 1063 and finished in the 13th century, reflects
the great wealth of the merchants of Pisa. Arrive in Florence, an imposing city of old stone located on the River Arno. After checking into your hotel relax a little before
dinner is served.
(BB, D)
Day 4 - Wed: Florence Cathedral & “David”
Take a walking tour of Florence, starting at the majestic Piazza Del Duomo to see the delicately patterned green, white and pink cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome.
See the Campanile, Giotto’s Bell Tower dating from 1359. The 11th century Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in Florence and famous for its exquisite bronze doors by
Ghiberti. Then walk to the Academy of Fine Arts, which was founded in 1563. Here see Michelangelo’s superb “David” and many of the master’s unfinished works. Finish your
tour at the Piazzale Michelangelo with the most spectacular views Isle of Capri over Florence. The afternoon and evening are free for independent sightseeing, shopping and dining.
(BB)
Day 5 - Thu: Assisi & Rome
Leave Florence via the “Sun Route” through the beautiful countryside of Tuscany and Umbria to Assisi, a lovely town located on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Assisi is the
birthplace of St. Francis and you will visit the Basilica built between 1228 and 1230 especially to hold his remains. See Giotto’s famous frescos of many Biblical scenes and
see some of the houses, built from the local honey-colored stone. Continue your journey south into the metropolitan region of Rome to your hotel. Check in to your hotel and
dine with your group this evening.
(BB, D)
Day 6 - Fri: The Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica & Ancient Rome
Today see the best that the city of Rome has to offer. Start with a guided tour around the Vatican, the world’s smallest independent state, to see the Vatican Museums and
Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling is covered with Michelangelo’s famous paintings of the “Creation” and “Last Judgment.” Walk across St. Peter’s Square to enter St. Peter’s
Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, to see the famed “Pieta” by Michelangelo and many other treasures. Lunch is included today and afterwards visit the Roman Forum
to see the triumphal Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus. Visit the imposing Colosseum to admire the huge walls of this iconic monument, built by Emperor
Vespasian and opened in 80 AD. It was designed to hold 70,000 spectators with four floors, completely covered in travertine slabs and decorated with huge statues.
(BB, L)
Day 7 - Sat: Free Day in Rome
Today you have a full day free in spectacular Rome. Your tour director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the wonderful shops, galleries
and museums, or relax in a sidewalk restaurant – there are plenty of things to do and see, depending on your interests. Tonight enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.
(BB, D)
Day 8 - Sun: Pompeii & Sorrento
Drive south along the coast to Naples and nearby Pompeii, the ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visit the well-preserved ruins of the city and walk
through the Roman Forum, Market Place and Home of the Vettii to see narrow streets and luxurious villas frozen in time. Travel around part of the lovely Bay of Naples to the romantic
town of Sorrento. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner is served.
(BB, D)
Day 9 - Mon: Excursion to Capri
Enjoy a full day excursion by taking a ferry from Naples to Capri, a small paradise encircled by a crystal clear deep blue sea. This famous and romantic island is dotted
with grottos and abounds with olive trees and vineyards. The fame of the island dates back to 27 AD when Emperor Tiberius spent ten years in retirement there. Your local guide will
show you the highlights of the island and what life is like nowadays. Visit the magnificent Gardens of Caesar Augustus and view the famous Faraglioni Rocks. Enjoy free time to
wander through the winding streets with chic boutiques before returning to Sorrento.
(BB)
Day 10 - Tue: Sorrento at Leisure
Today you have a full day for independent activities. Browse around the narrow streets of this charming coastal town with plenty of boutiques and specialty shops for souvenirs or
kick back and soak up local atmosphere in one of the many cozy bars and restaurants.
(BB)
Day 11 - Wed: Depart Naples
This morning it’s time to say ‘arrivederci!’ to Sorrento as you drive to Naples Airport where your tour ends. Check in for your flight back to the United States.
(BB)
BB: Buffet Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner